Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi on Sunday called for national unity, reconciliation, and the reinforcement of State authority in Lebanon, urging an end to political divisions and all forms of armed presence outside official institutions.

In his Easter Sunday homily, the patriarch voiced hope that the country could finally move past its painful history and build a foundation for a just and lasting peace.

“We pray with you, Mr. President, that God may help you fulfill the aspirations you shared in your address marking 50 years since the start of the tragic civil war,” al-Rahi said, directly addressing President Joseph Aoun who was attending the mass. 

The patriarch laid out four central goals he believes are critical for Lebanon’s future.

“First,” he said, “that we are all equal—no one afraid, no one intimidating, no one oppressing, and no one oppressed. Second, that only the State can protect us—through a strong, sovereign, and just government born of the will of the Lebanese people and dedicated to their peace, well-being, and prosperity.”

“Third, since we all agree that any weapons outside the State’s authority pose a threat to Lebanon’s national interest for multiple reasons, the time has come to say it clearly: Lebanon can only be protected by its State, its army, and its official security forces. And fourth, our unity is our strength, and our strength lies in our military so that the next fifty years are marked not by war and sorrow, but by peace, joy, and life. We were created for life, and life was created for us.”

Al-Rahi, who has long advocated for Lebanon’s neutrality and the consolidation of State institutions, used the occasion to press for reconciliation on both personal and national levels. 

“Through Christ’s death and resurrection, God reconciled with humanity and taught us to reconcile with each other through forgiveness,” he said. “Reconciliation puts an end to the war of selfish interests, which is more dangerous than armed conflict. With reconciliation, disputes are settled, hostilities fade, and mentalities begin to shift.”

The patriarch emphasized that this healing must begin with individuals, through repairing their relationship with God and embracing a personal transformation. But reconciliation, he added, must go further as it should aim for rebuilding relationships with others, resolving disputes, and promoting social justice by supporting the poor and combating corruption.

Al-Rahi also called on Lebanon’s political class to lead by example.

“Reconciliation must reach the political sphere by rebuilding national unity and restoring a just and capable state rooted in the rule of law,” he said.

Ultimately, he said, national reconciliation requires a renewed social contract—one that safeguards coexistence and ensures all Lebanese are fairly and systematically included in the governance of their country.